In this day and age of fast-paced living, the primal beats of the taiko drum are a breath of fresh air.
The taiko has existed in Japan for over two thousand years. Once used as a weapon to intimidate and scare the enemy in the battlefield, the drum became an instrument helping to draw village boundaries and communicate with the gods during festivals that are still celebrated today.
For the last 14 years, members of Nagata Shachu have blended ancient instruments and folk music, elements of lighting, and choreography to create performances revolving around the entrancing power of the taiko.
"Iroha," the ensemble's second DVD, features 12 pieces where movement, sounds and colours come together in profound virtuosity. From the dawn-like atmosphere in "Shinonome" to the echoing soundscape emulating a never-ending wave in "Tokiwa," and the passionate conversation between drummers and drums in "Sei Gai Ha," the whole performance is a celebration of spiritual dimension.
"Iroha," which means "colours," also features several Japanese woodwind instruments, a shamisen (a long-necked lute with three silk strings, similar to the banjo), a xylophone, a glockenspiel, hand cymbals, gourd shakers (Hyotan) and hardwood clappers (Hyoshigi). Each instrument plays an important part in the overall mood of the performance by adding layers of emotion.
The most fascinating thing about this show is the extraordinary skills displayed by all the members of the group. These skills shine in particular in "Shikkoku," the concluding piece where physicality meets precision in a beautiful embrace of booming flawlessness.
"Iroha" is both mysterious and spellbinding. I loved it!
More about "Iroha"
Release date: November 18, 2011
All compositions by Aki Takahashi
Directed by Aki Takahashi
Performers: Kiyoshi Nagata, Scott Kusano, Aki Takahashi, Angela Colangelo, Nick Shao, Atsushi Kato, and Akemi Akachi.
Track listing:
- Shinonome
- Kyara
- Ayame
- Tokiwa
- Yamabuki
- Sei Gai Ha
- Batta
- Sarusuberi
- Tonbi
- Shirogane
- Shikkoku
- Nikshiki
The DVD includes a short interview with Kiyoshi Nagata and Aki Takahashi.
"Iroha" is available for purchase at www.nagatashachu.com.
About Nagata Shachu
Toronto’s Nagata Shachu was founded in 1998 by Kiyoshi Nagata. Its current members (Nagata, Scott Kusano, Aki Takahashi, Akemi Akachi, Tony Nguyen, and Heidi Chan) use a vast array of Japanese taiko, gongs, bells, wooden clappers, shakers and bamboo flutes to create thunderous, primal drumbeats with subtle, intricate rhythms. The ensemble has recorded five CDs and performed across Canada, the United States and Italy.
Nagata Shachu also produces its own annual concert where it premieres new works, and often collaborates with guest artists.
For more information on Nagata Shachu, visit www.nagatashachu.com.
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Cendrine Marrouat may be contacted for potential interviews, reviews and general enquiries at info@cendrinemarrouat.com. Website: www.cendrinemarrouat.com.
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